Glenn Hodges, M.D., values the importance of education, research, and knowledge sharing. After an outstanding career in medicine, medical microbiology, and infectious disease, he and his wife Carolyn began investing in the future of The Ohio State University.

“I feel extremely blessed for my education,” says Dr. Hodges. “I give back not only because I am thankful, but because it helps communities support one another and prosper.”

During his residency, Dr. Hodges was awarded a fellowship by the National Institutes of Health. This opportunity allowed him to conduct research on listeria, a food-borne infection, and learn more about the field of medical microbiology at Ohio State—sparking a career as an infectious disease specialist.

Presenting research or just attending professional meetings is beneficial to trainees’ careers; however, infectious disease trainees do not often receive grants to help alleviate the costs. Dr. Hodges notes that the transportation, hotel, and food expenses can make it difficult for trainees to afford attendance at these meetings.

Dr. Hodges is addressing this need and creating opportunities for current and future trainees. He established an endowment for students in the Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity and trainees in the Division of Infectious Disease Fellowship Program to fund trips to prominent meetings. “I want to show my gratitude for my successes by helping students,” says Dr. Hodges. “I chose an endowment so that I could help many generations for years to come.”

Dr. Hodges learned how simple it is to maximize the impact of his gift and ensure funding for future students. By naming Ohio State as a beneficiary of his retirement plan, he can retain his assets during his lifetime and avoid taxation upon his passing. Most important, he is investing in the success of future generations.

Dr. Hodges notes how important studies in infectious diseases are to maintaining the quality of life we have today. “We as Americans have the privilege of not having to worry about measles, mumps, polio, or other childhood diseases,” he says. “But not everyone is fortunate enough to have access to vaccinations or live in a clean, sterile environment.”

By providing funding to infectious disease and medical microbiology trainees, Dr. Hodges is investing in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases all over the world. In addition, he hopes to continue the research that will educate the public on how fortunate we are to live in an advanced nation that provides us the health care we need to stay healthy.